South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Grassroots peacebuilding efforts, supported by the EU and Save the Children, are instilling new hope in the communities of Malakal Town, Upper Nile State, which have been fragmented by years of conflict. Women are now taking the lead in rebuilding peace and fostering unity.
Among them, Nyau Arop, Chairperson of the Malakal Women’s Association, trained by local partner War Child, has emerged as a beacon of courage and commitment. “It is not just training; we are now solving community issues peacefully,” she states, emphasising the transformative impact of these initiatives.
“Since the training ended, we decided to apply the knowledge we gained by resolving conflicts within our communities. For instance, there was a conflict last year between two families that prompted one family to file a police report. However, I followed up with the police and assured them I would resolve the issues at the community level first. If I failed, then the police could step in. I succeeded, and now they are at peace,” Arop told the Dawn in an exclusive interview.
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict,” Nyau reflects. “It is about giving people the opportunity to rebuild their lives, care for their children, and dream of a better future.”
As the sun sets over the Nile, the voices of women like Nyau Arop remind Malakal and South Sudan that peace begins at the community level. With continued support from partners like the EU, Save the Children, and War Child, these local leaders are demonstrating that unity and resilience can overcome even the darkest past.
According to Nyau, women in Upper Nile are among those who suffer most from the conflict, whether at the community or state level.
“Now that women can mediate conflicts at the grassroots level, I believe Malakal will become a peaceful place for all communities.”
Through the peace dialogues and training organised by War Child, with funding from the European Union (EU) through Save the Children, Nyau and other women and men have learned to facilitate conversations, resolve conflicts, and bring people together. These programmes have empowered women to play an active role in peacebuilding and decision-making, which was uncommon in the past.
“Thanks to these initiatives, we now have the confidence to speak out and advocate for peace,” she adds. “We are no longer just victims of conflict; we are part of the solution.”
Her words reflect a growing movement of community-led peacebuilding in Upper Nile State. Across Malakal, trained peace groups are now managing reconciliation meetings, resolving disputes, and encouraging cooperation between different payams and counties.
This transformation is part of a broader initiative launched in 2024, when the European Union (EU) and Save the Children began a three-year, €6.2 million project titled “Building Resilient Communities: Empowering South Sudan for Peace and Prosperity.”
The project, implemented by Save the Children in partnership with War Child Holland and Tearfund, operates in conflict-affected areas of Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Unity States, specifically in Rubkona, Malakal, and Akobo counties.
The initiative aims to reach over 230,000 people, including children, youth, and women, by improving access to health, nutrition, food security, livelihoods, child protection, and disaster preparedness services. In Malakal, one of the project’s greatest successes has been the creation and training of community peacebuilding groups, which now operate independently to maintain harmony and collaboration at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, the State representative of the Peace Committee, James Monyjok Chuang, stated that these efforts are transforming community relationships.
“We are committed to building a resilient and united community,” he explains. “By empowering local leaders, women, and youth, we are laying the foundation for lasting peace and prosperity in Malakal.”
The Peace Committee mediates local disputes and organises community dialogues aimed at healing old wounds. These initiatives have significantly reduced tensions and fostered coexistence between previously divided groups.
However, Paramount Chief Joseph Lath Dau remarked that the results are evident; Upper Nile is now known as the state of peace, yet the conflict has destroyed much. “Now we are building peace among the grassroots communities, and it has worked very clearly.”
“Our communities have suffered enough. We are now determined to live together in harmony and support one another for the future of our children.”
According to Joseph, true peace requires the continued involvement of all citizens—from elders to youth, and especially women—working hand in hand.
Across Malakal, the impact of these joint efforts is visible. Markets are once again bustling with traders from different communities, schools are reopening, and families are returning to their homes. The spirit of cooperation that once defined Malakal is slowly being restored.
